11 Early Signs of Pregnancy Before Missed Period and What You Need to Know

If you have been trying to conceive for quite some time now, it would not be surprising to get extra excited when you experience a missed period. However, did you know that there are actually early signs before missed period that you could check? Yes, more than the usual ways of discovering pregnancie﻿s, there are subtle signs that you could experience as well.

Yes, before heading out and buying your own home pregnancy test kit, you would know if you are already pregnant or not even during the early days. These symptoms can signify that your body is about to go through some colossal changes that would be essential for your future baby’s development. Let’s get to know these signs so you can better prepare for your journey ahead.

Check these 15 Signs that Could Tell You Are Pregnant

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#1. Cramping and Light Bleeding Due to Implantation

Experiencing cramping and light bleeding called spotting are of the first signs of pregnancy. This is particularly possible if you had unprotected sexual intercourse during your fertility window.Although not everyone experiences these two symptoms, you are likely to be pregnant if you experience them.

The term ‘implantation’ refers to the moment the fertilized egg starts to attach itself to the uterine lining. The blastocysts or the cell mass now has two parts— the inner cell which transforms into the embryo and the outer cell which eventually becomes the placenta. As this process takes place, it is normal for the women to experience pain, cramping, and light bleeding.

This process happens between 6 and 10 days post-ovulation. The bleeding and cramping are typically experienced around one week before the missed period. However, if the cramping lasts for days, it is best to have yourself checked by a doctor immediately.

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#2. The Beginning of Morning Sickness

If prior to your missed period, you could already experience morning sicknes﻿s or feeling nauseated. This could strike at the earliest part of the pregnancy. The majority of pregnant women tend to experience dizziness and constant throwing up.

Although it is called the ‘morning sickness’, know that this unpleasant feeling can happen at any time of the day. Some mommies-to-be goes through the pains and discomfort of morning sickness during the first quarter while others may continue to experience it throughout the entire pregnancy.

Although many experts still cannot pinpoint the main cause of the morning sickness, it has been linked to the surge of the hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin﻿﻿ or hCG. If you have been vomiting almost all the time and starting to feel really weary, go to the ER right away to avoid dehydration.

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#3. An Increase in Basal Body Temperature

If you have been planning to get pregnant for some time now, you probably know how to do the Basal Body Temperature Charting or Method. This is typically used to predict the ovulation and fertility period of those who are aiming at pregnancy.

Furthermore, this method can also be used to detect whether you are pregnant or not even before missing your period. After the ovulation, if your basal body temperature continues to demonstrate an increase for 18 days or longer, then it is highly likely that you are pregnant.

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#4. Being Fatigue

Even on the first day of pregnancy, your body will experience a surge in progesterone. This can make you feel sleepy and tired almost all the time. These can all be experienced before a missed period is observed.

Another reason that could make you f﻿﻿eel extra tired and exhaust your energy is the increased blood flow to eventually support your developing fetus. The exhaustion can be aggravated when you have insufficient vitamins, irons, minerals, and fluids in your daily diet.

If you have been feeling particularly tired, then a quick check with your doctor can be helpful. Expect that when your pregnancy is confirmed, you will be advised by your doctor to take prenatal vitamins to keep you and your baby healthy.

However, if you are not pregnant and have been experiencing chronic fatigue, then your doctor may further evaluate your health to determine the underlying conditions such as anemia and hypothyroidism.

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#5. Your Breasts Get Tender, Sore, and Heavy

Even at the onset of pregnancy, your can already expect changes in your breasts to take unfold. The changes can be seen in early as 2 weeks after conceiving. These changes are basically your body responding to pregnancy and getting itself ready for the next 40 weeks.

The growth in the breast size happens as the blood vessels begin to dilate. Changes in the breast include the growth and change color in the areolas. You would also feel comfortable just touching them. Your brassieres will start to become tighter as the pregnancy progresses.

Note that heavy and tender breasts are also signs of Prem﻿enstrual Syndrome (PMS). However, the discomfort is far worse during pregnancy.So once the missed period happens and you are starting to see changes in your breasts, then it is likely that you are pregnant.

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# 6. Sudden and Frequent Mood Swings

This is one sign that the people around you can tell. They may find that you have become quite cranky or sensitive. These mood swings are caused by hormonal changes that affect the neurotransmitters in your brain.

As a result, you tend to get excited at one point than experiencing a sudden burst of anger at another. When this happens, you can expect people to point it out. However, once they eventually learn that you are confirmed to be pregnant, then would understand the situation better.

When you feel distressed and overwhelmed by the enhanced emotion, learn to give yourself a break. Talking to your partner would immensely help you with the situation. Moreover, you will realize that the roller coaster of emotion is normal for any pregnant woman.

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#7. That Feeling of Tightness Around Your Belly

Even prior to missing your period, you may feel bloated or just tight around your belly. You may notice also that you may sometimes need to unbutton your pants to get that instant relief. Even when what you have in your womb is a ball of cells, this could still cause discomfort.

That bloated feeling in your tummy is one common pregnancy sign that you can check before your missed period. It is often accompanied by burps and farts. Due to the surge in progesterone, the digestion tends to slow down and may trigger flatulence.

One of the easiest ways to relieve yourself from constant bloating is by altering your die﻿t. The most common offenders are beans and veggies such as broccoli, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. The presence of sugar raffinose in these vegetables can make you even gassier.

While bloating may be perceived normal, see to it that it is not accompanied by abdominal pain, bloody stools, or bouts of diarrhea. If this happens, go and see your doctor right away as it could be caused by the more serious medical condition.

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#8. Sudden Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Another unpleasant early sign of pregnancy is lightheadedness or dizziness. It is known that during the first trimester, dizziness is quite normal. Some women even experience fainting prior to confirming that they are, in fact, pregnant. However, erratic blood pressure should always be noted and checked with your healthcare professional whether pregnant or not.

Even at the onset of pregnancy, women tend to experience dizziness and lightheadedness due to the dilation of the blood pressure which consequently decreases the blood pressure. This is the typically the case during the first trimester, but blood pressure tends to improve by the second trimester.

What you need to remember is that if you experience low blood pressure and no other symptom, then there is no need to panic. However, if your blood pressure drops and you experience other symptoms such as abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, then these could be telltale signs of another serious complication called ectopic pregnancy.

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#9. Extreme Thirst

One of the biggest changes you would notice if you are pregnant even without missing your period yet is the excessive thirst. This is due to the sudden rise in the blood volume in your system. Consequently, this will make you drink more water and urinate more.

Another reason which could make you really thirst at the early stage of pregnancy is that pregnant women tend to feel hotte﻿r or sometimes sweat profusely. Another reason is that it could also be a symptom of gestational diabetes.

However, before you worry about such complication, you will have to be tested for it once it has been confirmed that you are pregnant. To alleviate thirst, just make sure that you drink at least about two quarts of water every day.

Drinking up does not only quench the thirst or keep your body cooler but will also keep your body hydrated especially if you have been suffering from H﻿﻿﻿yperemesis Gravidarum or excessive vomiting during the early stage of pregnancy.

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#10. Lack of Appetite or Food Aversion

Even at the start of pregnancy or just days after conception, you can feel certain changes in your body as well as in your appetite. Due to morning sickness, it is inevitable that your appetite will be affected as well. The hormonal changes in the body will also heighten your sense of smell which would lead to aversion.

While your appetite changes, you would also find other foods more appetizing. It is common for pregnant women to have odd cravings especially during the early part of pregnancy. If you are worried about your appetite getting affected by your vomiting and sense of smell, you may opt for the natural remedy such as morning drop﻿s to curb nausea.

Moreover, there are also new gadgets you can use to alleviate the discomfort of morning sickness. Addressing your morning sickness can help your appetite to kick in again. When it comes to odd cravings, just make sure that you are not eating anything excessively sweet, salty, or heavily caffeinated.

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#11. Frequent Headaches and Backaches

A surge in progesterone is one of the adverse effects of pregnancy. This could cause frequent headaches even at the early stage of pregnancy. The hormone is helpful in keeping the blood vessels in your body and the uterus relaxed. When this happens, blood supply pounds through the veins and causes headaches.

Another reason is the changes in the blood pressure. These headaches are tension-like and are generally harmless. However, if your headaches are becoming a hindrance to your day-to-day task, make sure that you see your doctor.

Taking medication such as paracetamol is generally safe for pregnant. If you feel uneasy about the idea, then check with your doctor as there are certain medicines which are generally off limits to pregnant women. In addition, you may opt for natural remedies.

What Should You Do Next?

It is important to remember that all the aforementioned conditions are possible signs of pregnancy, and should be not be used to CONFIRM that there is truly a bun in your oven. A missed period and pregnancy tests should still be performed in order to be 100% certain that you are pregnant.

If you experience any of these signs, then it is OK to assume you are going to be a mom. However, be open to the possibility that these could be indications of other possible health issues. For instance, PMS syndromes are similar to those of pregnancy.

If you have been trying to get pregnant, then keeping some pregnancy kits available at home would help you determine whether you confirm or not. On the other hand, you can try to follow some homemade pregnancy kits which are easy to perform using just simple ingredients you can find at home.

Allow me to wish you all the best if you are trying to get pregnant. Prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally to help you cope with the sudden and long-term changes during your pregnancy. Most importantly, enjoy and embrace the pregnancy journey wholeheartedly.

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